#gothamwines

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[gothamwines]

Team Gotham. Father and Daughter together pouring at Harford Wine Festival

[gothamwines]

Winery Tour in Sonoma

Last Wednesday I travelled to the beautiful region of Sonoma in Northern California. I decided to extend my palate from the traditionally big Australian wines and see what California had to offer. There is a widely known following for Napa valley and Sonoma wines. Not only in the US but also across the wine regions of the world.

I must also make special mention of the company I did the tour with, Platypus Wine Tours. Our tour guide Greg had extensive knowledge of not only the wineries but the process involved in viticulture. I had a ball! Cheers Greg!

Here are the gems that I found: DRY CREEK FAMILY WINERY Producing a number of different brands this winery is welcoming and has an extensive range to offer. A small production winery which is unfortunate because I won’t be able to find any of the wines in New York! Dang! Special mentions- Sanoma Valley ‘Forth’ 2012 Sauvignon Blanc. Sitting at $20 it’s a bloody barrrrgin mate! Fresh pear on the nose, with pineapple and grassy tones also. Soft balanced palate with a zing to finish. Easy drinking! Alexander Valley ‘Histoire’ 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon. $24. A tasty delight! I am hesitant to say sweet, due to my father in my ear saying “it’s not sweet, it’s fruity!”. So yes, perhaps it’s fruity, perhaps it’s sweet, either way it’s a mouth full of plum, chocolate and ribena! I don’t think I could finish a big glass, but I would definitely enjoy a small glass to finish a meal.

AMISTA VINEYARDS This vineyard is where we stopped for lunch. Absolutely breathtaking view mixed with a ‘Greg special’ lunch. A family owned vineyard, we were lucky enough to meet the lovely couple who owned the vineyard. With a ‘bottle smashing’ ceremony to welcome us in. Special mentions- 2010 Amista Chardonnay. $28. Only 364 cases were produced. No oak yet soft creaminess on the tongue which must come forgot a bit of malolactic fermentation. Fresh grapefruit on the nose with a rounded balanced mouth feel that lingers for a while. 2006 Amista Cabernet. $42. Worth every penny. This delightful Cabernet comes from the wild vineyards of Rockpile. A rare find indeed. The tannins are very present making a full bodied rich cab. A little spice to the nose with a finish that makes you want more. Perhaps it’s my expensive taste, but this one I will not forget.

DE LA MONTANYA Another family owned winery, we didn’t get to have a real look around the place, which is disappointing because it looked like there was a lot to see, but we were on a tight schedule. I tried my first Gewürztraminer which i had never heard of, a bit to rich for me, borderline dessert wine. I don’t think I could finish a glass. There was a dessert wine on offer too which our pourer claimed “smells like honey, tastes like heaven”. Too right. Special mentions- 2010 Primitivo. $40. Grandfather to the Zinfandel, this one caught my attention. It was not overly aromatic however it packed a punch in your mouth. Strong acidity, creating a lot of salvation. Spicey and vegetative.

VML (Virginia Marie Lambrix) This was a huge winery, with a great store room which we got to see. A mix between stainless steel vats and oak barrels. There was beautiful ‘vibes’ at this winery. Sweeping views out for the tasting room and a delicious range of wines on offer. The labels are beautifully designed by the husband of the wine maker. On one label you can actually see the winemakers face buried amongst beautiful wild flowers. How romantic! Special mentions- Gewürztraminer 2011. $22. Floral nose that pulls you in. I couldn’t quite pick all the different notes I was getting off the nose, but I knew it smelt bloody good! Once it hit my lips I got honeysuckle, pear and perhaps a little pineapple.

[sticky-feet-blog]

Sir Nik and his friends has been hard at it today... Albany has been nice to us! Look forward to another big day on the road tomorrow! #gothamwines #sirnik (at Albany, NY)